2023 Tablas Creek Esprit Blanc de Tablas
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As I wrote last year, the 2023 Esprit de Tablas Blanc is poised and composed on the nose, straddling orchard fruit, citrus rind and white flower aromas with a rich, deep nuttiness at the core. The palate is punchy, powerful and round in texture with a surprising elegance and understated quality. The finish is seamless and direct, with a pleasing phenolic grip and lifted acidity surrounding a core of rich stone fruit flavors. This is a classic version of this wine, with perhaps a bit more energy overall, due to both the cool vintage and the lower percentage of Roussanne that has characterized the last few versions of this blend. This 2023 is composed of 48% Roussanne, 22% Grenache Blanc, 13% Picpoul Blanc, 10% Bourboulenc, 5% Picardan and 2% Clairette Blanche.
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Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Wet slate and granite aromas and flavors join subtle spices on a palate of concentration and length. White licorice, citrus and apples linger with lanolin and quietly lifted lemon blossoms. Structure and generosity in equal measure. Drink or hold, but best after 2026 and for more than a decade after.
48% Roussanne, 22% Grenache Blanc, 13% Picpoul Blanc, 10% Bourboulenc, 5% Picardan, 2% Clairette Blanche. Tablas's pick of the best 15% of what comes into the cellar. They strive to have the blend contain all six Châteauneuf-du-Pape white grapes but it’s not always possible. Certified regenerative (ROC), biodynamic (Demeter) and organic (CCOF). Pale lemon. Mineral, with crunchy green and yellow apple, a honied oat aroma and citrus oil. Layered and long on the palate with acidity that carries all the way to the finish and a lingering pastry flavour. (SCJ)
The 2023 Esprit de Tablas Blanc is an understated beauty. Wildflowers and lemon oil blend with ginger-tinged yellow apples. It flows across the palate with a sense of opulence, reeled in by tantalizing acidity and minerals as ripe orchard fruits settle. It's youthfully tense and inward yet complex, with a gentle tannic tug and hints of spice adding lovely punctuation. This is a gorgeous and mineral-driven Esprit de Tablas Blanc in the making. Tasted from barrel.